2026 NFL Draft: Carnell Tate Leads Rookie Wide Receiver Rankings

A deep dive into the 2026 NFL Draft wide receiver class, led by Ohio State standout Carnell Tate, with rankings, scouting insights, and potential landing spots shaping the rookie outlook.

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Carnell Tate (17) runs in a touchdown against the Michigan Wolverines in the second half of the NCAA football game at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, Nov. 29, 2025 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. | Samantha Madar/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Last year, only two wide receivers selected in the 2025 draft class finished with top 36 stats in PPR formats. The Panthers added Tetairoa McMillian with the eighth pick in the first round. He finished with 70 catches for 1,041 yards and seven touchdowns on 122 targets, ranking him 16th in fantasy points (211.40). Emeka Ebuka (1.19) lived up to his first-round pedigree, helped by some wide receiver injuries in Tampa. He caught 63 of his 127 targets for 947 yards and six touchdowns, placing him 23rd in wide receiver scoring (195.70). The only other wideout added in the first round was Matthew Golden (29/410/0 on 44 targets), who ended up being a rookie bust. 

Here’s a look at the top five wide receivers in the 2026 NFL Draft:

1 – Carnell Tate, Ohio State

Over the past few seasons, Ohio State has delivered many top wide receivers to the NFL. Tate caught 103 passes over the past two seasons for 1,608 yards and 13 touchdowns. He averaged 15.5 yards in his college career.

Tate is a fluid, route runner who has the ability to work the short areas of the field to move the chains. He brings more size (6’2” and 190 lbs.) than speed (4.53 40-yard dash), but makes up for any shortfall due to his excellent hands and rhythm when running his pass patterns. Tate must improve his release vs. physical defenders with size. He will get open, catch balls in tight quarters, and get his feet down in bounds at the sideline or the back of the goal line. I expect his value to improve as the field shrinks.

There are hints that Tate may land in Cleveland this year. Their quarterbacks have a lot to prove, which suggests a low bar for Tate in his rookie season. If he finds a new home with a proven WR1, his first year in the NFL could be much higher than most would expect.

2 – Makai Lemon, USC

Southern California Trojans wide receiver Makai Lemon (6) celebrates after catching a 32-yard touchdown pass against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In his third season with the Trojans, Lemon set career highs in catches (79), receiving yards (1,156), and touchdowns (11). He’s made big plays in his whole career (14.7 yards per catch), but his scoring (three TDs) was low over his first 21 games in college. Lemon gained over 150 receiving yards in four games (4/158/2, 11/151/2, 11/161/1, and 10/153/1) in 2025 while scoring five times over his final four starts.

For an NFL team looking for a smaller version (5’11” and 190 lbs.) of Puka Nacua, Lemon brings some similar qualities. He plays physical over the short areas of the field, while having a knack for breaking tackles. He runs excellent routes, with a winning gear when finding daylight over the second and third levels of defense. Lemon wins contested balls, thanks to plus hands. He projects as a slot receiving option, who should have a high volume opportunity in the right offense.

If the Kansas City Chiefs want to give Patrick Mahomes another offensive upgrade, Lemon will be staring at them with the ninth pitch in the first round.

3 – Jordyn Tyson, Arizona State

After a progression year in 2024 (75/1,101/10) over 12 games, Tyson missed four games last season due to a hamstring injury. He finished 2025 with 61 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns over nine starts while gaining only 11.7 yards per catch (14.7 in 2024). Tyson was in beast mode over his final three games (12/176/2, 9/125, 8/143/1) in 2024, a level he approached three times (12/141/2, 8/126/2, and 10/105/10) over his first seven games last season.

Tyson is a big target (6’2” and 205 lbs.) who has the talent to catch off-target passes under duress. He creates early separation with hesitation moves that allow him to take advantage of his first step quickness. Tyson gives the appears of a better route runner, but his wins look more favorable against zone coverage or when given a free release. I expect him to be an edge when pressed at the line of scrimmage, but Tyson doesn’t bring a burner one-on-one skill set in the deep passing game.

Rising player with a history of injuries (torn ACL, collarbone, and hamstring), making Tyson a challenging player to fight for in the NFL draft. I don’t view him as first round player due to his injury risk despite his flashy results when on the field.

4 – Denzel Boston, Washington

Washington wideout Denzel Boston (WO08) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Over his final two seasons with the Huskies, Boston turned in two steady years (63/834/9 and 62/881/10) while showing a progression in his yards per catch each season in college (7.5, 10.2, 13.2, and 14.2). He gained over 100 yards twice in 2024 (7/121/2 and 6/125/2), but Boston lost his way over his final four matchups (2/35, 2/47, 3/43, and 3/27) while ending the year with no touchdowns over his final six starts. His winning ticket came in three games (6/107/2, 10/153/1, and 6/126/1) in 2025.

Boston has the profile of a second and third-level pass catcher who wins with his hands and ability to come down with many contested jump balls. He will get some chances close to the line of scrimmage on scripted plays, but his ceiling in targets will be lower than that of the best receivers in the game. In a way, Boston (6’4” and 210 lbs.) could be the next version of Mike Evans for NFL teams looking for a goal-line scorer with big-play ability. He must improve his release against press coverage. His strength is an asset, while his route running should have more success after the first 10 yards past the line of scrimmage.

5 – KC Concepcion, Texas A&M

Concepcion had an active role during his three seasons with North Carolina State and Texas A&M. He set a career high in catches (71) and touchdowns (10) in his freshman year while reaching a new top in receiving yards (919) last season. Over 38 games, Concepcion caught 185 passes for 2,218 yards and 25 touchdowns. NC State gave him an active rushing role in 2024 (41/320/0), followed by 29 more carries over the past two years with 111 yards and three touchdowns.

For NFL teams looking for a chain mover with the ability to make plays after the catch, Concepcion will be an attractive player in the 2026 draft. He’ll challenge defenders closer to the line of scrimmage with extreme quickness, a winning release, and route running. His top-end speed is below the best wide receivers, but Concepcion excelled as a punt returner last year (25 punts for 456 yards and two touchdowns – 18.2 yards per return). He’ll uncover quickly in the red zone and earn scripted chances at the line of scrimmage.